Meet the Pros - Jackie Faegre

Meet the Pros, Jackie Faegre

A tennis convert and relative newcomer to the pickleball tournament scene, Jackie Faegre has proven to be a formidable opponent! Enjoy reading her story!

Can you list for us your major wins so we can correctly introduce you to our readers?

2015 USAPA Nationals, 60+ Singles – Gold
2015 USAPA Nationals, 60+ Women’s Doubles – Gold, with Carol Lindow
2015 National Senior Games in Bloomington, MN, 60+ Singles - Gold

2015 National Senior Games in Bloomington, MN 60+ Women’s Doubles - Gold with Carol Lindow
2014 Huntsman World Senior Games 4.5 Women’s Doubles-Gold with Carol Lindow
2014 Palm Creek 4.0 Mixed Doubles-Gold with Tim Murphy

What paddle do you play with and why?

I'm currently playing with the Paddletek Tempest. I find it to have a softer feel on the dink shots and a little more control.

What's your pickleball story? How were you introduced to pickleball?

I started playing pickleball 3 years ago to have a sport I could play all winter long indoors. My partner Carol Lindow introduced me to the game. Carol and I have played a lot of tennis together over the years.

What's your preference - playing indoor or outdoor?

I much prefer to play outdoors but living in Minnesota we are forced to go indoors with our cold winters.

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I don't like one more then the other. They both have different things that attract me to playing them. I love singles because I love the work out and knowing I have to hit every ball. Doubles on the other hand has a lot more strategy and shot skills.

What's your favorite place to play? Why?

I love playing on our brand new designated pickleball court at a park in Eden Prairie, a little over a mile from my house. Location, location, location!

What's your "secret sauce"? Any tips for players?

Drilling and practicing with a partner are very important. I think it's important to keep your opponent guessing. At the same time, go for your favorite shots and believe in them. It's so fun to see your hard work pay off during tournaments.

What's your day job?

I took retirement from TSA two years ago and now I do a fair amount of nanny work for several different families.

How many hours a week do you play? How do you make time to play?

Although I'd like to play more, I get out on the court about 3 to 4 days a week for 2 to 3 hours at a time in the winter and in the summer I'm able to play about 5 days a week. I try to make pickleball a priority but it doesn't always work out that way.

Do you have any pickleball goals you'd like to share?

My only pickleball goal is to stay healthy enough to play for many more years to come.

Anything else you'd like to share about your experience being one of the best pickleball players in the world?

Pickleball has added so much to my life! I love to travel to out-of-town tournaments to meet new people and play against new opponents.

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2015/11/23/winning-pickleball-gold/76153392/